Nature's beauty is that it opens our eyes to the truths of God's strength and majesty. The parallel between the workings of nature and the Christian life is what drew me to this chapter of scripture. The moon gets its light from the sun. When it is dark, that reflected light illuminates the sky, making it easier to navigate at night.
Jesus is the light that shines even in the midst of darkness mentioned in today’s scripture. This light provides salvation to everyone and he desires that you and I reflect or radiate his light to the rest of the world - to shine even in the middle of gross darkness that appears to cover the earth. The manifestation of Christ to the world was to destroy the darkness, and we who have partnered with Christ have been given the greatest mission to dispel the darkness.
Christians are also referred to as the light of the world (Mathew 5:14), and Jesus said that our light should not be veiled or covered. The more light is obscured, the greater the magnitude of the darkness that will surround our environment.
Is it true that there is so much evil in the world, and that wickedness is increasing at an alarming rate? Our lights should be shining brightest at this moment. Unfortunately, when we begin to live compromised lives, fail to be truth's champions, hide our lights, our lights dim.
As the world celebrates the birth of our Lord, Jesus, let us be reminded that in the middle of the festivities, we should continue drawing our light from Jesus, since the world needs us to shine the brightest for people to see the way that leads to life, which is Christ Jesus.
Heavenly Father, in a world where darkness seems to be looming, help me to light up the areas where you have placed me so that many will come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Throughout the Day: Take time to connect with the Lord and then engage with the people that he has brought along your path who need to experience the light of Jesus that saves.